Antinociceptive and anti-pyretic activity of benincase hispida [thumb] cogn. in wistar albino rats

The seeds of Benincasa hispida [Thunb] COGN. [Family: Cucurbitaceae] was extracted with ethanol and was used to study acute toxicity, antinociceptive and anti-pyretic effects. Brewer's yeast [15%] was used to induce pyrexia in rats. The extract was non lethal to the rats up to the dose of 5000 mg/kg b.w. At doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w, the extract significantly [P<0.05] increased the antinociceptive effective in a dose dependent manner in rats. Similarly, at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w the extract significantly [P<0.05] decreased yeastinduced pyrexia in rats. These results indicate that ethanolic extract of Benincasa hispida possesses potent antinociceptive and antipyretic effects and thus pharmacologically justifying its folkloric use in the management of fever and pain conditions

Anti-bacterial activity of ethanolic extract of indoneesiella echioides [L] Nees. evaluated by the filter paper disc method

The study was carried out to investigate the antibacterial activity of the ethanolic extracts of Indoneesiella echioides [L] Nees. was evaluated by the filter paper disc method. This method is based on the diffusion of an antibiotic from a filter paper disc through the solidified culture media of a Petri dish used for study. The growth of inoculated is inhibited entirely in a circular area 'Zone around the filter paper disc containing a solution of antibiotic and the plant extract. The microorganisms used were: 1. Staphylococcus aureus [Gram positive 2. Escherichia coli [Gram negative] The organisms were maintained on nutrient agar slants. These were tested using nutrient broth. One loop ful of the respective cultures was taken in slants which were maintained below 40oC were taken and inoculated in the broth and incubated at 37oC for 24hrs and were observed for the growth of the organism with naked eye for their turbid nature. It was compared with that of sterile broth. The presence of turbidity indicated growth and suitability of the culture for further work